The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-09-03

Plainly, what JESUS condemns Is Sign OF
hypocrisy. To be a successful or even useful
teacher of religion and moral reform requires
at least a reputation for personal purity
and righteousness. Only pure and righteous
persous are qualified for teachers of religion
aud moral reform. Having corrected or be-
ing disposed to correct their own faalts, they
are in a position to be really helpful to 9th
ers both by their example and advice, and
also in their Judgment of evil and evil doors.
Having instructed the disciples in the ne
cessity of being themselves free from faults
they would condemn and seek to correct IN
others, he proceeds to advise them against
a mistaken zeal, and to exercise discrim-
mating Judgment in the ministry of the Cos
pei of the kingdom to which he had called
them to be fishers of man," and for which
he was preparing them by his instruction.
While he teaches them to so love mankind,
that they will not unjustly and unkndiy cen
sure aud condemn those who do evil, he calls
upon them to form judgments of evil and to
be prudent in the exercise of their ministry
with evil doors. He cautions them to be
careful not to expose themselves and the sa-
cred and precious things committed to their
charge, as were the pure and sublime
principles OF the Divine kingdom the
contempt aud abuse of wicked and pro-
fame men. "Give not that which is holy
to the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before
swine, lest they should trample them under
their feet, and turn aud reno YOU" As no
person ceremonially unclean was permitted
A. To- off ba
ployed in sacrifice, it was deemed extremely
profane to feed it to the unclean and de-
spised dogs. 1t would be useless and waste
full, and even dangerous to cast precious
stones to the herds of wild swine that in
tested the mountainous district of Palestine.
By the use of these illustrations JESUS taught
the disciples that while they should not be
harsh and unjust, but kind and charitable in
their judgment of evil persons, they should
be wise and prudent in their efforts to re-
form them. More harm than good may
often be done by unwise and misdirected
zeal. None are to be despised or neglected
in the efforts to extend the Redeemer's king
dom among men; but all must be dealt wisely
with, according to their character and dispo-
sition, and in a manner not to dshonor the
truth. nor to injure the reputation and him
der the truth and efficiency and effectiveness
of its apostles. The claims of the Gospel
cannot be successfully enforced upon, nor
it's truths taught to those who cannot appre-
ciate them, and who refuse TO hear. What
is impossible for man is possible with GoD,
and the wise minister and moral reformer
will exercise prudent reserve and pa
thence, especially with individuals, and pray
erfully watch and wait for the favorable
time and opportunity. The souls hunger and
thirst for righteousness, which cannot be sat
isfed with the husks OF forbidden sensual
pleasures, will sooner or later in some way
manifest its demand for the Bread aud Water
of Life
"You will meet with men," he continued,
"who when the Divine truth is offered them,
will openly profane it-men utterly ungodly
aud hardened who will fully reject the coun-
sci of COP with blasphemy, mocking and
slandering. Do not put it into their power
to dishonor it. To do so is like casting a
holy thing unto the street dogs, or throwing
pearls before wild swine, who would only
trample them as worthless under their feet,
and turn against yourselves aud rend you'll
Dr. Gsiicie, " Life and Works of Christ"